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As a newcomer to Canada, you’re likely eager to explore your new country and discover its local food, sights, history, and meeting new people.
One thing you’ll need to help you do that is a trusty smartphone. Lucky for you, Canada has great options for the latest smartphones with affordable plans. Let’s dig in to learn everything you need to know about getting a smartphone in Canada as a newcomer and how it can help you navigate your new life.
Smartphone providers
The simplest way to obtain a new phone is through a mobile network provider. With them, you can get your phone and sign up for a phone plan at the same time. Most companies offer plans that break the cost of your new phone down to multiple monthly payments, so you don’t have the significant upfront charge.
In this article, we’ll focus on Virgin Plus, an affordable choice for mobile phones and plans for newcomers to Canada.
Plans offered by Virgin Plus
Virgin Plus offers various phone plans whether you’re bringing your own phone or getting a new one with them.
If you choose a plan with a new phone from Virgin Plus, the device cost will be built into your monthly bill and paid off over the first 24 months with no interest.
Phones offered by Virgin Plus
Now for the exciting part. You get to pick out a shiny, brand new phone. And again, we’ll use Virgin Plus as an example of the types of smartphones you can get as a newcomer in Canada.
The Virgin Plus website currently has 85 (yes, you read that right 85!) mobile phones to choose from. While we won’t list them all here, we’ve compiled some of the most popular options, along with their costs if you choose to purchase them with a Virgin Plus plan.
| Phone name | How much is the down payment? | How much is the monthly cost? |
| Apple iPhone 15 | $0 | $35.88/month |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro | $390 | $33.35/month |
| Apple iPhone 14 | $47 | $33.34/month |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | $520 | $33.34/month |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 | $0 | $25.84/month |
| Samsung Galaxy A15 | $0 | $11.25/month |
| Motorola MotoG Play | $0 | $6.23/month |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | $0 | $20/month |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | $160 | $33.34 |
Keep in mind that prices are always changing, so it’s a great idea to check out Virgin Plus’ smartphone web page to research the latest prices.
Must-have apps for Canadian newcomers
Now that you’ve got your phone plan and smartphone all sorted, let’s dig into some of the best smartphone apps for Canadian newcomers. Don’t have your phone yet? No problem – bookmark this page and come back when you’re ready to load it up with some helpful apps.
Oh, and the good news? All of these apps are free to download and use.
Transit apps
You’ll need a way to get around in your new country. To help you, download some apps! If your new home is Toronto, you’ll soon discover the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is a great way to get around. The My TTC app is a great way to stay on top of schedules and delays.
If you’re planning on living somewhere other than the country’s biggest city, car sharing apps are a must. They let you order private cars, similar to taxis, right to your door. Canada’s most popular apps are Lyft and Uber.
Google maps
Your new smartphone will come loaded with a maps app, but it’s always good to have another, just in case. Everyone seems to have their preference, but Google maps is quite popular in Canada.
Get the Google maps app for Google
Get the Google maps app for Apple
The Weather Network
Canada’s weather can be vastly different from other countries, especially for those coming from warmer climates.
You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared with the right clothing every day. That’s where the Weather Network app comes in. You can find weather data, including rain, snow, temperature, and wind for up to two weeks – making it an indispensable tool for adapting to your new country.
Get the Weather Network app for Google
Get the Weather Network app for Apple
Job apps
If you’re new to Canada, and don’t have a job yet (or even if you have a job but might want to look for a new one in the future), there are some great apps to help you with your search.
Whether you choose an Android phone or an Apple phone, there are several apps to choose from, including Indeed, Jobs in Canada, and Kibbi.
Get the Jobs in Canada app for Google
Virgin Plus My Account
Perhaps the best companion for your new Virgin Plus smartphone is the Virgin Plus My Account app. With it, you can stay on top of your bills, change your phone plan, order a new phone, view offers, and more.
Get the Virgin Plus My Account for Google
Get the Virgin Plus My Account for Apple
The final word
Hopefully this newcomer smartphone guide will help you navigate your new life in Canada more easily and affordably. Having a reliable phone on a reliable network will make it easier for you to get where you need to go and stay in touch with family and friends in your home country as well as your new country.
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